Program Overview

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Introduction to the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (BM BS) Degree

The Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) is a partnership between the University of Brighton, the University of Sussex, and NHS Trusts across the Surrey and Sussex region. The BSMS Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (BM BS) degree integrates the development of academic knowledge with clinical experience.

Key Facts

• Location: Falmer and the University of Sussex
• UCAS code: A100
• Full-time: 5 years

Entry Criteria

Entry requirements for the BM BS degree include:

• GCSE: English language or English literature and maths at grade B or grade 6, or above
• A-levels: Most standard offers for entry are conditional on gaining three A grades at A-level (to include biology and chemistry)
• International Baccalaureate: 36 points overall to include both Biology and Chemistry at Higher level, with a grade 6 in both
• Other equivalent qualifications: A wide range of other academic qualifications equivalent to A-levels, Advanced Highers, and the International Baccalaureate are also welcome
• English language requirements: IELTS 7.0 overall, with at least 7.0 in each section
• University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT): Required for all applicants in the year they apply

Widening Participation

BSMS is committed to widening participation into medicine. Applicants who are identified as having certain key pieces of contextual data may be considered separately and may be eligible for alternative offers.

Mature and Graduate Entry

• Access to HE Diploma: Mature entry applicants must pass with distinction on a recognised Access to Medicine course
• Degree and experience: Graduate entry applicants should hold, or expect to hold, a first or upper second class honours science degree and at least BBB at A-level including biology and chemistry

Course Content

The five-year medical degree leads to the qualification of Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery (BM BS). The course is designed to help students become highly competent, strongly motivated doctors, committed to the highest standards of clinical practice, professionalism, and patient care.

Years 1 and 2

• Introduction to clinical assessment and the patient journey
• Study of the normal and abnormal functioning of the human body using a systems-based approach
• Development of clinical skills in history taking, physical examination, diagnosis, and effective communication with patients

Year 3

• Learning in increasing depth in core and general specialties
• Ward-based attachments including acute medicine, general medicine and cardiology, elderly medicine and psychiatry, and perioperative care, A&E, general and vascular surgery

Year 4

• Learning in specialist disciplines
• Rotations in general practice, ophthalmology and ENT, infectious diseases, HIV GUM and health protection, dermatology/rheumatology, neurology and neurosurgery, oncology, haematology and palliative care, obstetrics and gynaecology, and paediatrics

Final Year

• Learning in an apprenticeship role focusing on foundation skills and patient safety
• Clinical attachments in a range of regional locations
• Preparation for the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) and the role of a foundation doctor

Careers

The degree equips students with the knowledge, clinical skills, and attitudes to complete their foundation training successfully and qualify for registration with the GMC. Graduates can then undertake postgraduate training to become a GP or a medical consultant in a clinical specialty.

Fees and Costs

• UK (full-time): Ł9,535
• Channel Island students (full-time): Ł9,535
• International (full-time): Ł46,700
• The fees listed are for the first year of full-time study in the academic year 2025-26

Location and Student Life

• Campus: Falmer campus, set in the South Downs, around four miles from Brighton city centre
• Accommodation: BSMS students are allocated between halls of residence at the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex
• Local area: Brighton is a welcoming, forward-thinking city with a thriving creative community and a digital sector worth Ł1bn a year to the local economy

Support and Wellbeing

• Course team: Personal academic tutor, course leader, and other tutors are available to help with personal and academic progress
• Academic skills: The Brighton Student Skills Hub provides extra support and resources to develop the skills needed for university study
• Mental health and wellbeing: The university offers various services to support students' mental health and wellbeing

Sport at Brighton

• Sport Brighton: Brings together the university's sport and recreation services, offering opportunities to play for fun, fitness, or compete at a high level
• Sports scholarships: Available for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes, and talented sports performers

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• Pharmacy MPharm with preparatory year
• Pharmacy MPharm
• Biomedical Science BSc(Hons)
• Biomedical Science BSc(Hons) (with integrated foundation year)